Goldfields remembers the service and sacrifice at Battle of Long Tan

The crowd stood in silence, as the Last Post echoed through the air at Centennial Park, and those fallen in the Battle of Long Tan were remembered.

Yesterday’s service marked the 53rd anniversary of the 1966 battle, where 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers showed exceptional strength, bravery and teamwork and turned away a Viet Cong regiment which outnumbered them 10 to one.

Veterans and cadets made their entrance behind a band of bagpipers, before Vietnam veteran Vic Dale addressed the crowd, and thanked the soldiers for their service.

“It was a really nice day but it’s also really special that we acknowledge the service that was given and the sacrifice that was made,” he said.

“It’s very important, it’s who we are as Australians. If we lose that, we lose our own identity.

It’s a service given, and we need to say thank you.Vic Dale

It is the 10th annual public service held at the park, and veteran Peter Green said it was wonderful to have such a ceremony, considering the struggle Vietnam veterans had to be recognised when they returned home.

“It’s quite touching,” he said.

Camera IconWreaths in front of memorial.Picture: Tori O'Connor

Following the service, they paid a visit to the grave of Kalgoorlie local Private Kevin Coles, who lost his life in the war.

“He was brought home and buried at the Kalgoorlie cemetery, and we go out there after the service every year and lay a wreath,” Mr Dale said.

The Goldfields Brass Band and a visiting choir from Perth — a member of which was also a Vietnam veteran — played and sungseveral songs in honour of those who fought, and wreaths were laid at the memorial.